§1692f Unfair practices

Summary

Stops debt collectors from using unfair or harsh methods to get money. They must not collect any charge (including interest, fees, or other costs) unless the loan or law allows it. They cannot take a check dated more than five days in the future (a postdated check) unless they tell the payer in writing that they plan to deposit it, giving notice no more than 10 and no less than 3 business days before the deposit. They may not ask for a postdated check to threaten criminal charges, nor deposit or threaten to deposit a postdated check before its date. They cannot hide the real purpose of a call or message to make someone pay extra charges (for example, collect phone calls or telegram fees). They may not try to repossess or disable property outside court if they have no current right to it under an enforceable security interest, have no present intent to take it, or the law protects the property from being taken. They must not contact a consumer about a debt by postcard, and may not put words or symbols on mail or telegram envelopes except their address; they may use a business name only if it does not show they are in the debt collection business.